Charles "Mac" Kentnor, Psy.D.

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When should I consider therapy?
There are periods in our lives when we confront problems or experience feelings that are difficult to manage. We may feel overwhelmed, be experiencing stress, depression, anxiety, having problems in our important relationships, work-related problems, struggling to control addictive behaviors, anger, or have lost someone close to us, to name a few. Sometimes "self-therapy" and support or guidance from friends and family is sufficient to address these issues. However, when these difficulties interfere with our ability to function and meet the demands of daily living, it may be time to seek professional help.

How do I choose the best therapist for me?
The decision to visit a therapist is not a decision made easily and often requires tremendous courage. Having made this decision, however, one is faced with the often unfamiliar task of choosing a therapist. It essential that you find a therapist who is a good fit for you if therapy is to be beneficial. The following are some guidelines that may help you in this process.

Things to consider when looking for a therapist:

1. Inquire about office location, availability of appointments, and fees.
   Does the therapist have appointment times that fit with your schedule? Are their services affordable. Are their fees negotiable or do they offer an income-based sliding scale? Do they accept your insurance? Is their office location convenient?


2. Find out the therapist's areas of specialization and experience.
   How long has the therapist been practicing? Where did they get their training? What are their qualifications? Does the therapist have experience helping people who have problems similar to yours? Ask about how they would work to help someone with your problem. Make sure they do not take a “one size fits all” approach to therapy as what works for one person with your problem may not work for another. Consider whether their approach seems like a model of treatment that would be helpful for you and fit with your values and worldview.


3. Take time when meeting with a therapist to consider how you feel about them.
   If therapy is to be beneficial, a good working relationship with your therapist is essential. You should choose a therapist you feel at ease and comfortable with, and with whom you think you can develop a collaborative and trusting relationship. After meeting with a therapist, you should ask yourself if you felt understood by them, and whether it seemed like they were paying attention to you. Where they someone you could relate to and who you liked as a person? Did they seem at ease with you? Did they answer questions you had directly or were they evasive?

Please feel free to contact me by phone or email if you have any questions about me, my approach to treatment, my fees, office location, or would like to schedule a free initial consultation session.